Body Language-An Essential Element In Show Don't Tell

In writing, we are always advised to "show not tell" what our characters are saying, feeling, and doing. Body language is an excellent way to show those things.

For Example:

Don't just say that Linda was sad. Show her hunched over, weeping, and trembling.

Or, don't just say that Kelly was happy, show how she tossed her head back, laughed, and did a little dance.

Non-verbal communication consists of facial expressions, postures, mannerisms, appearance, and gestures. Consider all these things when describing what your characters are saying or doing.

The following is a list of some common body language traits that are used to indicate certain feelings and emotions.

Anger: jaws clenched, nostrils flared, eyes narrowed, hands-on-hips, head jerks, clenched fists, feet planted firmly on floor, shoulders back and chin out, frowning, tense mouth, staring, glaring.

Anticipation: Rubbing hands, eyes wide open, fidgeting

Anxiety: smoking, wringing hands, patting/fondling hair, clearing throat, tapping fingers, biting lip, shuffling feet, whistling, fidgeting, pinching flesh, flicking fingernails, tugging at ears, jingling money or keys, biting fingernails, running tongue along front of teeth, pulling and twisting hair, locked ankles

Authoritative: Steepling fingers

Boredom: Sitting with legs crossed-foot kicking slightly, head resting in hand-eyes downcast, tapping fingers, fidgeting, cracking knuckles, looking around, sighing

Confidence: head high with chin out, hands in steepled position, hands behind back, feet up, direct eye to eye contact, leaning against something, back stiffened, brisk erect walk, sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed, hands in coat pockets with thumb out

Co-operation: leaning forward, nodding, facing you directly, tilting head, sitting on edge of chair, hand-to-face gestures, unbuttoning coat.

Defensiveness: arms crossed, buttoned coat, hunched shoulders, touching or rubbing nose, shuffling feet, sideway glances, squinting, tight-lipped grin, darting eyes, looking down when speaking.

Dejection: Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched

Disgust: curled upper lip, pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed, sniffing, narrowed eyes, eyebrows lowered, eyes rolling upwards, backward head jerks, side-to-side head shakes, visible protrusions of the tongue.

Doubt, disbelief: Rubbing the eye, narrowing eyes, frowning, shaking head, tilting head, raising eyebrow, looking down, face turned away

Embarrassment: Blushing, stammering, head lowered close to shoulders, stuttering, fidgeting, shuffling feet, eyes darting around

Fear: increase in breathing rate, perspiring, trembling, chattering teeth, crouching, tip toeing, holding breath, crying, blinking quickly, eyes wide open, hair bristling, biting lip, tightened muscle tension, screaming, squirming, sweaty palms, yawning.

Frustration: tightly clenched hands, rubbing hand through hair, moving things around, fidgeting, rubbing back of neck, pointing index finger, wringing hands, hands clasped behind back.

Happiness: shining eyes, smiling, giggling, laughing, head tossing, whistling, humming, singing, skipping, dancing

Impatience: tapping fingers on things, tapping foot on the floor, crossing and uncrossing legs, constantly checking time, fidgeting, quickly flipping through various reading material, pacing, loud sighs,

Indecision: Pulling or tugging at ear

Insecurity, Lack of self-confidence: Patting/fondling hair, biting nails

Interest: Tilted head, wide eyes, chin propped on hand, leaning forward

Love: breathing rate, facial flushing, biting lower lip, head tilted to the side, hugging, kissing, decrease in personal distance, dreamy gaze.

Lying: slightly rubbing nose, avoiding eye contact, shuffling feet, stammering, perspiring

Negative evaluation: Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed

Openness: Sitting-legs apart, open hands, smiling, unbuttoned coat, repeated glances

Readiness, aggression: Standing with hands on hips

Rejection, doubt, lying: Touching, slightly rubbing nose

Sadness: slouching, pouting, crying, gazing down, wringing hands, running hands through hair, audible sigh.

Shame: Eyes downcast, shuffling feet, hunched shoulders, stuttering, stammering

Thinking, evaluation: Hand to cheek, stroking chin, frowning, narrowed eyes, staring blankly at something

Literally Speaking

Writers need to be careful. Some readers read things literally and often misunderstand what the writer intended to say, or get a good laugh out of what it seems like the writer said.

Weird Body Part Actions

Do you have body parts doing things they can't really do?

For example:

Her eyes danced with glee. I wonder if glee was a good dancer.

Her eyes darted about the room. Can you imagine pointy eyeballs flying around a room?

Her eyes roamed about the room. (I hope they didn't get lost along the way.) Her gaze can do these things, but her eyes can't, unless they grew feet.

Her eyes were glued to the phone. (Can you imagine how disgusting it would be to have eyeballs glued to your phone?)

He wore his heart on his sleeve. (That must have made it easier to replace his pacemaker.)

Her eyes dropped to her plate. (I hope she wiped off all the gravy before she put them back in.)